Recessed pop-top insertion indicator

ABSTRACT

An insertion indicator employed in conjunction with a quick connector assembly includes a base member carried within a female housing, two or more leg members extending axially from the base member and terminating adjacent an axial housing opening. A generally annular indicator member is disposed substantially within the housing opening and releasably engages the ends of the leg members. Means are provided to axially displace the base member upon engagement of the male and female elements to effect separation of the base and indicator members. Guide and limiting means are provided to ensure proper orientation of the indicator device relative to the quick connector before and during coupling of the male and female elements.

This application is a continuation-in-part of the application havingSer. No. 07/809,826, filed Dec. 18, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,818,issued Mar. 29, 1994, and having the same assignee of interest.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to quick connectors and, moreparticularly, to quick connectors having means enabling, by externalinspection, determination of proper coupling between the male and femaleportions of the connector.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This invention is related to U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,424, issued Jan. 12,1993, entitled "Pop-Off Quick Connect Indicator" having the sameassignee of interest as this application. U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,424 ishereby incorporated within this specification by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is desirable in fluid handling conduits to ensure that the connectorsused have their male and female portions properly coupled together. Afaulty connector enables an associated host system to leak fluid. Thiscan be particularly disadvantageous when the system is under pressureand the leaking connector expels the pressurized fluid.

In the quick connector field, where male and female portions of theconnectors are held together by friction locking members, it isimportant that the male and female portions be properly coupled. Toensure proper coupling, the installer may tug on or manipulate theconnector to make sure that it is fully engaged. Also, visual types ofinspecting devices enable the installer to confirm that the male andfemale portions are properly coupled together from observation alone.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,217, issued to Ketcham, discloses a quick connectorwith a visual checking feature wherein a deformable member is assembledwithin the fitting which includes elongated members extending out of thehousing between the male and female portions prior to coupling and whichare retracted, and no longer visible, once the coupling has beenaccomplished. Although this type of connector may work satisfactorilyfor its intended purpose, designers are always trying to improve thefield. Furthermore, designs such as that employed by Ketcham provideonly relatively small axial movement of the indicator member, which,when employed with relatively low cost, high tolerance manufacturing,limits the reliability of the perceived indication and, alternatively,adds additional expense to a more highly refined design. Lastly, thespring-like operation of Ketcham's vaulted annular member requires useof relatively expensive materials and can introduce additional failuremodes, such as fracture of one of the legs which could interfere withproper coupling operation.

A related problem stems from dual aspects of commercially availablequick connect devices, to wit: high volume and low sale price frequentlynecessitating the use of inexpensive, somewhat pliable materials, andcomplex contours of extremely small inter-fitting components. Theseaspects collectively increase the likelihood of mis-assembly. Highvolume production techniques, including automated assembly tends toaggravate the problem wherein mis-assembly or impermissible dimensionalvariations of the components is difficult to detect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide avisual inspection device which enables, at a glance, the installer toensure proper coupling of the connector. Also, the present inventionprovides the art with a simple, inexpensive inspection device thatovercomes the shortcomings of the prior art described hereinabove.

The inventive quick connector includes a generally cylindrical connectorhousing defining an axial opening for matingly receiving a male member.A retainer disposed substantially within the housing releasablyinterconnects the connector housing and male member. An insertionindicator also disposed substantially within the housing is displacedaxially upon interconnection of the connector housing and male member toprovide a visual indication of the interconnection. Finally, index meansrotationally fixes the retainer and insertion indicator with respect tothe connector housing while allowing a limited freedom of relative axialmovement therebetween. This arrangement has the advantage of permittinghigh speed automated pre-assembly of the female portion of the quickconnector while ensuring against mis-alignment or mis-assembly thereofand eliminates the need for external alignment members.

In a broad sense, a quick connect insertion indicator includes a basemember of generally annular configuration which is adapted forpositioning about a male conduit within the connector housing. Two ormore leg members extend axially from the base member and terminate nearthe opening. A generally annular indicator member which is positionedsubstantially adjacent to and within the opening is releasably engagedwith the leg member terminations. Finally, means are provided operativeto axially displace the base member upon engagement of the conduit andconnector housing to effect separation of the base and indicatormembers. Guide means provide concentric positioning of the indicatormember with the housing opening until coupling of the connector iscomplete.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the insertion indicatorincludes an annular base member and two circumferentially spaced axiallyelongated leg members dimensioned such that the leg members terminateinternally adjacent a step formed at the axial housing opening. Guidemeans are provided to maintain concentric positioning of the indicatormember as least partially within the housing opening, the base memberdefining an abutment surface disposed to engage a mating abutmentsurface defined by the conduit to axially displace the base and legmembers upon engagement of the conduit and connector housing to effectsimultaneous separation of the base and indicator members. Thisarrangement provides the advantage of minimizing the overall axiallength of the quick connect fitting to enhance packaging thereof andavoids inadvertent release by requiring a special release tool.

According to another aspect of the invention, the insertion indicatordefines axially elongated guide surfaces operative, to engage axiallyelongated guide slots formed within the connector housing and radialprojections on the guide surfaces that nest within radially definedgrooves within the connector housing to prohibit relative rotational andundesirable axial displacement therebetween, respectively. Thisarrangement provides for precise positioning of the insertion indicatorwithin the female housing to minimize the chance of mis-assembly ordistortion of the components during coupling engagement. The slots andguide surfaces ensure that only desirable relative axial displacementtakes place during the engagement process and that rotation and skewingof the components will not occur.

According to another aspect of the invention, the guide slots arerecessed within the internal dimension walls of the female member toreceive the leg members, which are of generally rectangularcross-section and define the guide surfaces. The leg members aredisposed substantially radially externally of the outer diameter surfaceof the base member. Furthermore, the retainer comprises a pair ofopposed radially outwardly directed indexing tabs which are slidinglyreceived within the guide slots. This arrangement provides the advantageof simultaneously aligning both the retainer and the insertion indicatorelements within the female housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a small arcuate sector ofthe indicator member is removed, or, alternately, a rupture point isprovided therein, preferably in conjunction with a generally planer tabmember which is integrally formed with and radially extending from theindicator member. This arrangement provides the advantages of ensuringretention of the indicator member upon the conduit after coupling hasbeen accomplished and facilitating its removal, if required, thereafter.

According to still another feature of the invention, the base and legmembers are formed integrally with the indicator member wherein eitherthe indicator member or the leg members include predetermined weakenedpoints, such as by reduced cross-sectional area that will simultaneouslypredictably fracture upon axial loading occasioned by coupling betweenthe conduit and its mating connector housing.

These and other features and advantages of this invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following specification which, along with thedrawings, describes and discloses preferred and alternative embodimentsof the invention in detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, is a perspective exploded view of a conduit quick connectassembly embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2, is a broken, cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of ade-mated connector housing and male conduit.

FIG. 3, represents the connector housing and male conduit of FIG. 2 inthe coupled condition.

FIG. 4, is a cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken on linesIV--IV of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5, is a quarter cross-sectional view of the female housing of FIG.2 taken from the top.

FIG. 6, is a top plan view of the preferred quick connect insertionindicator of the present invention.

FIG. 7, is a front plan view of the insertion indicator of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8, is a side plan profile view of the insertion indicator of FIG.6.

FIG. 9, is a top plan view of a retainer employed with the presentinvention.

FIG. 10, is a cross-sectional view taken on lines X--X of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11, is a front plan view of the retainer of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12, is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the quickconnect insertion indicator of the present invention.

FIG. 13, is a cross-sectional view, of a de-mated connector housing in apresently preferred embodiment.

FIG. 14, is a side plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention includes an insertionindicator device, shown generally at 10, for use with a quick connector,shown generally at 12, including male and female elements 14 and 16,respectively, and a locking member or retainer 18. With the exception ofmodifications described hereinbelow, quick connector 12 isrepresentative of known commercially available devices. The quickconnector 12 illustrated herein is adapted for application withinsystems employing tubular conduit, although it is contemplated that thepresent invention could be employed with other structural configurationsand applications.

Male element 14 is illustrated as a thin wall metallic tube with anupset or external circumferential flange 20 integrally formed thereinadjacent an open-end 22 adapted for insertion within a steppedthrough-passage 24 in female element 16. The end of female element 16distal male element 14 has a series of external circumferential barbs 26adapted for locking engagement with a resilient conduit (notillustrated). Locking member 18 is carried within an enlarged end 28 offemale element 16 proximate male element 14 as will be described ingreater detail hereinbelow.

As seen in FIG. 2, the through-passage 24 of female element 16 includesa stepped portion 30 within its enlarged end 28. Additional steppedportions may be provided to receive elements such as O-rings or the like(not illustrated) for sealing male element 14 within female element 16.

As best viewed in FIGS. 2 and 9-11, retainer 18 comprises a generallyannular base portion 32 nestingly disposed concentrically withinthrough-passage 24 terminating in a radially outwardly extending flangeportion 34 received within a step 36 formed in female element 16 openinginto stepped portion 30 and co-acting therewith to define a seat 38.Four (4) extensions 40a-d are integrally formed with base portion 32 andare circumferentially equally spaced thereabout and extend axiallytherefrom towards an opening 42 defined by the end of female element 16for receiving male element 14. Locking member 18 defines two (2)inwardly directed male element engaging fingers 44, 46 depending fromadjoining pairs of free ends (40a,d and 40b,c) of extensions 40. Fingers44, 46 define radially outwardly directed abutment surfaces 48, 50formed thereon which lockingly engage with one of a pair of opposedradial openings 52, 54 formed in female element 16. The uppermost (inFIG. 2), lateral surfaces of element 16 defining openings 52, 54 aredesignated as abutment surfaces 56, 58 which meetingly engage surfaces48, 50 of retainer 18. The axially opposed ends of fingers 44, 46 defineradially extending abutment surfaces 60, 62, which are, in assembly,axially spaced from seat 38 by a dimension "D" as will be described indetail hereinbelow. Fingers 44, 46 define radially inwardly tapered rampsurfaces 64, 66, extending through their axial length.

Both female element 16 and retainer 18 are made of injection moldedplastic or other suitable material. Quarter cross-sections are employedin FIG. 5 for simplicity inasmuch as the structure is substantiallysymmetrical about the centerline axis A--A of female element 16. Lastly,certain interior components that typically would be employed with femaleelement 16, such as sealing O-rings and spacers which normally would bedisposed within through-passage 24, are deleted here for the sake ofbrevity.

Aligned pairs of tangential slots 68 formed in the outer surface offemale element 16 open into radial openings 52, 54 as is described inco-pending application U.S. Ser. No. 07/675,374, filed Mar. 16, 1991,entitled "Quick Connect Insertion Indicator Clip", assigned to the sameassignee of interest, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, stepped portion 30 of female element 16 hascomplementary circumferentially opposed axially elongated guide grooves70, 72 formed in the inner-diameter surface of end 28 and opening intothrough-passage 24. Grooves 70, 72 are rotationally positionedapproximately 90 degrees offset from radial openings 52, 54. Laterallyopposed side grooves 74, 76 straddle groove 70, extending axiallythrough stepped portion 30 and opening into through-passage 24.Likewise, side grooves 78, 80 are axially parallel to and straddlegroove 72 and open radially into through-passage 24.

Opening 42 defines a stepped annular groove 82 composed of an axialoutwardly facing abutment surface 84 and radially outwardly divergingalignment surface 86.

Referring to FIGS. 9 through 11, the structural details of retainer 18are illustrated. Indexing tabs 88, 90 integrally formed with flangeportion 34 of base portion 32 extend radially outwardly therefrom andare dimensioned to slip-fit within guide grooves 70, 72. Likewise,laterally spaced tangential indexing tabs 92, 94, 96, and 98, extendradially outwardly generally parallel to tabs 88, 90. Tabs 92 through 98are, likewise, dimensioned to fit within their respective grooves 74through 80. Flats or reliefs 100, 102 are formed in the circumferentialwall of flange 34 in locations 90 degrees tangentially offset from tabs88, 90 and are spaced radially inwardly of the inside diameter surfaceportion of end 28 which defines radial openings 52, 54 to ensure thatflange 34 does not interfere with the use of an O.D. release tool as itpenetrates openings 52, 54 to effect release of retainer 18 from femaleelement 16. As best depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4, an O.D. release tool 166shown in FIG. 4 in phantom will radially depress fingers 44, 46 inwardlyuntil the radially outermost edges of abutment surfaces 48, 50 areradially inwardly spaced from the innermost edges of abutment surfaces56, 58 to effect release. Typical prior art retainers had a constantradius flange which could interfere with the axially innermosttransverse surface 165 of tool 166 and prevent release. The local radialclearance 168 (designated R in FIG. 4) provided by flats 100, 102 allowsremoval of retainer 18 with tool 166 still in place. Ideally, theradially outer surfaces of flats 100, 102 are disposed substantiallyinwardly of the innermost radial edges of abutment surfaces 56, 58. Afurther understanding of the present invention's interrelationship withtool 166 can be gleaned from U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,230, entitled"Universal O.D. Release Tool" issued Jul. 13, 1993 and having the sameassignee as the present invention. U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,230 is herebyincorporated by reference. Tapered clearance relief surfaces 104, 106,108, and 110 are formed in extensions 40 to prevent binding between maleelement 14 and retainer 18 during release. Lastly, the overall axiallength of extensions 40a-d is abbreviated whereby the free ends 41a-dthereof distal base portion 32 are dimensioned to terminate adjacentabutment surface 84 of female element 16. Referring to FIGS. 6 through8, the structural details of inventive insertion indicator device 10 areillustrated. Indicator device 10 is constructed integrally frominjection molded plastic or other suitable material and includes agenerally annular base member 112, two circumferentially opposed axiallyelongated leg members 114, 116 and a generally annular indicator member118. Base member 112 has a characteristic outside diameter equal to orslightly less than the lateral spacing of flats 100, 102 to preventinterference with surface 165 of tool 166. Indicator member 118 has anapproximately 90 degree circumferential section removed, rendering it Ushaped, and defining a permanent opening between circumferential fingers120, 122 which are spaced approximately one half of the diameter of maleelement 14 to ensure that after coupling, indicator member 118 remainsengaged with its associated male element 14 until it is intentionallyremoved therefrom. The radially innermost surfaces of leg members 114,116, are tangentially integrally Joined with necks 115, 117 formed onthe outer diameter circumferential surface 124 of base member 112 andextend radially outwardly therefrom. Leg members 114, 116 are generallyrectangular in cross-section and define opposed radially outwardlyfacing guide surfaces 126, 128, as well as opposed lateral guidesurfaces 130 through 136. Each leg member 114, 116 extends from basemember 112 to an opposed end which is integrally formed with indicatormember 118. The point of interface between leg members 114, 116 andindicator member 118 forms a necked region 138, 140 which are preferablydimensioned identically to ensure as close as possible equal pull-apartstrength.

Indicator member 118 includes a generally rectangular recess 142 formedin the inner diameter surface 143 thereof. Indicator member 118 has astepped typical cross-section defined by a rightwardly facing (as viewedin FIG. 8) radially outwardly extending circumferential abutment surface144 and a right-hand most inner abutment surface 146 interconnected by acircumferential tapered fillet 148.

Quick connector 12 and indicator device 10 are provided with a system ofguide surfaces which facilitates automated assembly and substantiallyreduces the likelihood of mis-assembly or component damage resultingfrom the assembly process. Grooves 70 through 80 interact with indexing,tabs 88 through 98 on retainer 18 as well as leg members 114, 116 ofindicator device 10 to provide positive indexing therebetween to ensureagainst rotational mis-positioning. Multiple, laterally spaced sets ofgrooves 74, 70, 76 and 78, 72, 80 are provided to enhance the purchaseof retainer 1S (via tabs 98, 90, 94 and 96, 88, 92, respectively) uponfemale element 16 to further reduce the likelihood of rotationalmis-positioning by increasing the characteristic maximum chord dimensionfrom the central axis. Because grooves 70 through 80 extend axially theentire length of end 22 of female element 16, they afford properindexing of retainer 18 and indicator device 10 during the entireassembly process wherein retainer 18 and then indicator device 10 aresequentially axially inserted into female element 16 through opening 42.When fully inserted, base portion 32 of retainer 18 abuts step 36 offemale element 16 and abutment surfaces 48, 50 of engaging fingers 44,46 resiliently expand into radial openings 52, 54 to provide a lock-fittherebetween. Thereafter, as indicator device 10 is inserted, its basemember 112 ramps axially along abutment surfaces 64, 66, momentarilyresiliently displacing fingers 44, 46 radially outwardly until basemember 112 is axially intermediate abutment surfaces 60, 62 and seat 38.Thus, indicator device 10 is positively retained within female element16 by retainer element 18. Indicator device 10 insertion is completewhen indicator member 118 surfaces 144, 146 and 148 abut female element116 surfaces 83, 84 and 86, respectively. The radially extending surfaceof base member 112 facing abutment surfaces 60, 62, defines a seat forthe leading edge of flange 120 of male element 14. It is thus, essentialthat dimension D as best seen in FIG. 2, provide for tolerance stack-upof axial dimension of flange 20, base member 112 and base portion 32.

Grooves 70, 72 are radially deep enough to substantially receive thesection of leg members 112, 114 to ensure clearance for the insertion ofmale element 14 while maintaining axial freedom of movement of basemember 112.

As best viewed in FIG. 2, indicator device 10 is illustrated in a firstcondition indicative of non-engagement between male and female elements14 and 16. The leg members 114, 116 extend axially toward opening 42 toengage indicator member 118 such that abutment surface 144 of indicatormember 118 abuts the upward most portion 83 (upward most as viewed inFIGS. 2 and 3) portion or transverse face 150 of female element 16. Asubstantial portion of indicator member 118 nests within groove 82 withabutment surface 146 abutting abutment surface 84 and alignment surface86 following the contour of fillet 148 to effect a self-centering ofindicator member 118 within opening 42.

Leg members 114, 116 are provided with a characteristic length which, inthe pre-coupling condition illustrated in FIG. 2, suspends base member112 axially from seat 38 of base portion 32 of retainer 18. Becausesurfaces 126 through 136 are in intimate sliding relationship withrespect to grooves 170 through 180, base member 112 is secured fromrotation or skewing prior to during and after the coupling process ofquick connector 12.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, during the mating process of connector 12,end portion 22 of male member 14 enters through-passage 24, passingthrough the inner-diameter of both indicator and base members 112 and118 of indicator device 10 and base portion 32 of retainer 18. Flange 20of male element 14 is dimensioned to axially ramp along surfaces 64, 66of fingers 44, 46 until the trailing edge thereof passes abutmentsurfaces 60, 62, at which point fingers 44, 46 will resiliently snapradially inwardly to entrap flange 20 in its position as illustrated inFIG. 3. As the insertion process continues, the leading (lowermost) edgeof abutment flange 20 contacts the upwardmost abutment surface of basemember 112. Further downward displacement of male element 14 will carrybase member 112 of insertion device 10 therewith. In so doing, legmembers 114, 116 will be placed in tension, causing fracture thereof atneck regions 138, 140. Because indicator device 10 is positionallycontrolled during the coupling process, fracturing at neck regions 138,140, is extremely predictable and takes place virtually simultaneously.This is in marked contrast to earlier designs in which one leg oftenwould separate prior to the other causing the base member 112 to becomedistorted and possibly prevent full engagement of quick connector 12.Insertion is complete when the leading (lowermost) edge of base member112, driven by circumferential flange 20, abuts seat 38. At this point,the trailing edge of flange 20 is passed downwardly past abutmentsurfaces 60, 62, of finger members 44, 46, which then snap radiallyinwardly, entrapping flange 20 as well as base member 112 of indicatordevice 10 in its designated installed position as illustrated in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the axial spacing (B-A) between the lowermostsurface of base member 112 and the uppermost surface of seat 38 must besufficient to accommodate a small degree of resiliency inherent in thematerial from which indicator device 10 is formed and ensure rupture atneck regions 138, 140. Upon such rupture, the tensional loading of legmembers 114, 116 vill cause a snap-back reaction as indicated by arrows152, causing indicator member 118 to be actually ejected axially awayfrom female element 16. Thereafter, it will be loosely retained on theportion of male element 14 leading away from the coupling in such amanner as to be clearly indicative of separation and thus a completecoupling has taken place. Alternately, indicator member 118 can beremoved by grasping it about its peripheral surface and resilientlydistorting fingers 120, 122 for removal from male element 14. Recess 142has a secondary function in that it creates a weakened or hinge point toenhance removal of indicator 25 member 118 from male element 14.

Referring to FIG. 12, an alternative embodiment of an indicator device156 is illustrated which differs only in that an associated indicatormember 154 is completely annular and is contemplated for applicationswhere it may be desirable to allow it to permanently encircle maleelement 14 throughout the life cycle of the fitting. Indicator member154 is provided with radial slits 156, 158 with only a thin section ofweb 160 remaining therebetween. If removal is desired, indicator member154 can be removed by gripping it manually or with a tool and pullingradially away from male element 14, rupturing web 160 in the process.Removal is further enhanced by a provision of a generally planer fingertab 162 extending radially therefrom which is integrally formed withindicator member 154 of indicator device 153 and optionally providedwith instructional indicia 164. The remainder of the construction ofindicator device 153 is as vas described with reference to the preferredembodiment illustrated in detail in FIGS. 6 through 8.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, the presently preferred embodiment ofthis invention is shown to highlight further improvements and advantagesprovided by insertion indicators designed in accordance with thisinvention. Female housing member 16 is modified compared to the femalehousing member illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. Insertion indicator 10 is alsomodified compared to that shown in FIGS. 1-12. The further inventivefeatures associated with the presently preferred embodiment will now bedescribed.

Enlarged end 28 of female element 16 is modified such that the modifiedinsertion indicator 10 is disposed substantially within female elementhousing 16. In order to facilitate nesting of insertion indicator 10within female housing 16, end 200 defines a shoulder 202. Shoulder 202is defined by radially extending bearing surface 204 and circumferentialsurface 206. When properly positioned within female housing element 16,insertion indicator 10 is nested within end 200 such that generallyannular indicator member 218 is automatically centered and disposedsubstantially within housing member 16 such that outer surface 219 onindicator member 218 is in line with surface 201 of end 200 as shown inthe drawings.

Generally annular indicator member 218 includes an outer surface 210defined by a largest outer diameter of indicator 10 that is slightlysmaller than the inner diameter of surface 206 on housing member 16.Indicator member 218 also includes abutment surface 212 that bearsagainst bearing surface 204 in housing member 16. The abutment betweensurfaces 212 and 204 enables indicator member 218 to function inaccordance with the description given above with respect to FIGS. 1-12.Upon proper engagement of the male element into female housing element16, bearing surface 204 prevents axial displacement of indicator member218 inward into housing member 16 beyond the point of bearing surface204. The radial length of bearing surface 204 and that portion ofabutment surface 212 that cooperates with it are preferably long enoughsuch that engagement of a male member into female housing element 16does not permit indicator member 218 to undesirably protrude axiallyinward into housing element 16.

Further, indicator member 218 preferably is a complete ring or, morepreferably includes a gap 219 bridged to provide a closed ring with apredetermined weakened point. The bridged gap facilitates removingmember 218 from around a conduit after proper coupling.

Indicator member 10 is further modified from that illustrated in FIGS.1-12. A radial projection or rib 220 is provided on each of leg members114 and 116. Radial projections 220 cooperate with notches or radiallydefined grooves 230 within housing member 16. The cooperation betweenribs 220 and notches 230 prevents undesirable axial movement ofindicator 10 relative to housing 16 until proper coupling of a maleelement within female element 16. Radial projections 220 are preferablydesigned to prevent undesirable axial movement of indicator 10 relativeto housing 16 while not preventing the desirable movement of legs 114and 116 along with base member 112 toward seat 38 upon proper engagementof a male member in accordance with the description above in referenceto FIGS. 1-12.

The nested feature including annular indicator member 218 beingsubstantially disposed within female housing element 16 provides severaladvantages. First, it has been found that during shipment or storage ofa plurality of quick connector assemblies 12 that the distal barbed endof one female element 16 may become entangled with the enlargedreceiving end 28 of another thereby rendering the tangled female housingelements and retainer assemblies unusable.

Further, when undesirable axial play exists between the indicator 10 andhousing 16 it is possible for something to become lodged between theindicator member 10 and the end 28 of female housing element 16.Undesirable obstructions, even if minor, can interfere with propercoupling and indication as detailed above. Moreover, the embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 1-12 includes the possibility that generallyannular indicator member 118 can become partially or completely detachedduring shipment. The nested feature of the preferred embodiment of thisinvention overcomes this difficulty and the provision of the radialprojections on legs 114 and 116 further prohibit undesirable axial playbetween the housing element and indicator 10 to thereby maintain thenested feature and avoid undesirable interference in accurate insertionindication or entanglement during shipment or storage.

Female housing element 16 is further modified in accordance with thepresently preferred embodiment to avoid the undesirable entanglementJust described. The end of female housing element 16 that is most distalfrom the male element includes an improved barbed design 240. The firstbarb 242 is provided with an elongated edge that extends axially alonghousing element 16 a distance great enough to prevent a barb frombecoming entangled within the retainer 18 of the partially assembledconnector assembly 12. For example, it can be appreciated from drawingsin FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 that the most distal barb 26 on female element 16could become inserted within the enlarged end 28 of a second femalehousing element and thereby become entangled with a retainer 18 withinthat second female housing element. The elongated barb 242 in FIG. 13prevents such undesirable entanglement by not allowing any surface tobut up against or become caught on abutment surfaces such as 60 and 62shown in FIG. 2.

The improvements shown in the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG.13 further facilitate proper coupling of male and female elements andresilient tubing as may be desired. By having the indicator 10 nestedwithin or substantially disposed within the female housing element 16 itensures proper coupling of the male element without undesirableentanglement or deformation of the indicator member 10 prior to properengagement between the male and female elements.

It is to be understood that the invention has been described withreference to specific embodiments and variations to provide the featuresand advantages previously described and that the embodiments aresusceptible of modification as will become apparent to those skilled inthe art. For example, it is contemplated that leg members 114, 116 couldterminate in a snap-apart, reusable fitting such as described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,178,424. Accordingly, the foregoing is not to be construed ina limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A quick connector assembly, comprising:agenerally cylindrical connector housing defining an axial opening formatingly receiving a male member; a retainer disposed substantiallywithin said housing operative to releasably interconnect said connectorhousing and male member; index means for rotationally fixing saidretainer with respect to said connector housing and providing a limitedfreedom of relative axial movement therebetween; and an insertionindicator disposed substantially within said housing wherein saidindicator is axially displacable in response to interconnection withsaid connector housing and male member to thereby visually indicateinterconnection thereof, and wherein said index means furtherrotationally fixes said insertion indicator with respect to saidconnector housing.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said index meanscomprises at least one axially extending radially inwardly opening guideslot formed in an inside diameter surface of said connector housing andassociated locating tabs carried by both said retainer and insertionindicator extending radially outwardly within said slot to rotationallyfix said housing, retainer and insertion indicator while enablinglimited relative axial movement therebetween.
 3. The assembly of claim1, wherein said housing includes an elongated barb at a second axial enddistal from said opening, said elongated barb having a partially slopedsurface extending axially from a terminal point on said distal end to afirst engagement surface, said terminal point having a nominal radiusand said engagement surface having an outside dimension greater thansaid nominal radius, said sloped surface having an axial lengthdimension at least greater than the axial distance between said housingopening and an engagement surface on said retainer.
 4. A quick connectinsertion indicator comprising:a generally annular base member adaptedfor positioning about a conduit within a connector housing; a pluralityof circumferentially spaced, axially extending elongated leg membersterminating internally adjacent an axial housing opening; a generallyannular indicator member disposed substantially adjacent said openingreleasably engaging said leg member terminations; means for limitingrelative axial movement between said indicator and said housing; andguide means operative to maintain concentric positioning of saidindicator with said connector housing, said base member defining anabutment surface disposed to engage a mating abutment surface defined bysaid conduit to axially displace said base and leg members uponengagement of said conduit and connector housing to effect substantiallysimultaneous separation of said base and indicator members.
 5. The quickconnect insertion indicator of claim 4, wherein said base and legmembers are integrally formed of injection molded plastic.
 6. The quickconnect insertion indicator of claim 4, wherein said base member has anoutside diameter dimensioned less than the inside diameter dimension ofsaid housing opening and an inside diameter dimensioned slightly greaterthan the nominal outside diameter dimension of said conduit and slightlyless than the outside diameter dimension of said conduit abutmentsurface.
 7. The quick connect insertion indicator of claim 4, whereinsaid indicator member has an inside diameter dimensioned slightlygreater than the outside diameter dimension of said conduit abutmentsurface.
 8. The quick connect insertion indicator of claim 4, whereinsaid indicator member is integrally formed with said base and legmembers, and said leg members include a predetermined weakened pointoperative to predictably fracture under axial loading to effect saidseparation.
 9. The quick connect insertion indicator of claim 4, whereinsaid indicator member is integrally formed with said base and legmembers, and said indicator member includes at least one predeterminedweakened point operative to predictably fracture under axial loading toeffect said separation.
 10. The quick connect insertion indicator ofclaim 4, wherein said guide means comprises an outer peripheral surfaceof said indicator member adjacent a radially extending abutment surfaceadapted to be nestingly received within a shoulder within said housingopening.
 11. The quick connect insertion indicator of claim 4, whereinsaid indicator defines axially elongated guide surfaces cooperating withaxially elongated guide slots formed in said connector housing toprohibit relative rotational displacement therebetween.
 12. The quickconnect insertion indicator of claim 11, wherein said guide surfaces asformed on said leg members.
 13. The quick connect insertion indicator ofclaim 12, wherein said leg members are generally rectangular incross-section and define both radial and opposed lateral guide surfaces.14. The quick connect insertion indicator of claim 4, wherein saidlimiting means comprises radially extending projections disposed on saidleg members and a corresponding radially defined notch within saidhousing.
 15. The quick connect insertion indicator of claim 14, whereinsaid radially extending projections define a pair of axially oppositeabutment surfaces that abut corresponding abutment surfaces definedwithin said notch when said projections are properly received withinsaid notch, whereby said indicator is prevented from moving axiallyrelative to said housing.
 16. A quick connector assembly,comprising:mating male and female elements; locking means operative topositively interconnect said elements in a fixed relative orientation;said female element defining a generally cylindrical housing portionsubstantially enclosing said locking means, said housing portion forminga shoulder at an open end thereof for receiving said male element and aseat at an end opposed from said open end, said male element defining anexternal annular bead dimensioned to be nestingly received by said seatand said locking means defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced,axially extending resilient finger members defining radially inwardlydirected ramp surfaces and abutment surfaces at an end thereof distalsaid housing open end operative to entrap said bead between said seatand abutment surfaces; and an insertion indicator including a generallyannular base member disposed about said male element within said femaleelement, said insertion indicator having a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced, axially extending elongated legs carried bysaid base member and terminating adjacent said open end, a generallyannular indicator member disposed substantially within and adjacent saidopen end releasably engaging said leg member terminations, guide meansoperative to maintain concentric positioning of said indicatorsubstantially within said connector housing, and means for limitingrelative axial movement between said indicator and said housing, saidbase member defining an internal abutment surface disposed to engagesaid annular bead to axially displace said base member uponinterconnection of said elements to effect simultaneous separation ofsaid base and indicator members.
 17. The assembly of claim 16, whereinsaid limiting means include radial projections disposed on said legs anda cooperating radially defined notch within an inner diameter peripheralsurface on said housing.
 18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein saidgenerally annular indicator member is received substantially within saidshoulder adjacent said housing opening.
 19. The assembly of claim 16,wherein said finger members are equally circumferentially spaced, andsaid legs and finger members are circumferentially interdigitated. 20.The assembly of claim 19, wherein there are four finger members and twolegs.
 21. The assembly of claim 16, wherein said housing includes anelongated barb at a second axial end distal from said opening, saidelongated barb having a partially sloped surface extending axially froma terminal point on said distal end to a first barb surface, saidterminal point having a nominal radius and said engagement surfacehaving an outside dimension greater than said nominal radius, saidsloped surface having an axial length dimension at least greater thanthe axial distance between said housing opening and said locking meansabutment surfaces.
 22. A quick connector insertion indicator,comprising:an indicator portion for indicating proper coupling between aconduit and a connector, said indicator portion having at least one leg;engaging means defining an abutment surface associated with said oneleg; and frangible connection means for permitting a release of saidindicator portion upon engagement of said abutment surface by saidconduit to thereby indicate said proper coupling.
 23. The indicator ofclaim 22, wherein said indicator portion is generally annular.
 24. Theindicator of claim 22, wherein said engaging means is spaced from saidindicator portion on said leg, and said abutment surface extendsradially inward and is adapted to engage a bead defined on said conduitduring coupling of said conduit and connector.
 25. The indicator ofclaim 24, wherein there are two legs and said engaging means isassociated with each said leg.
 26. The indicator of claim 22, whereinsaid engaging means comprises a base portion including said abutmentsurface that is adapted to engage an abutment surface on said conduitduring coupling of said conduit and connector and wherein said baseportion is disposed at an end on said leg distal from said indicatormember.
 27. The indicator of claim 26, wherein said base portion isgenerally annular.
 28. The indicator of claim 22, wherein said indicatorportion is formed integrally with said engaging means and saidconnection means from a plastic material.
 29. The indicator of claim 22,wherein said frangible connection means comprises a necked region onsaid leg having a reduced thickness relative to a thickness of said legsuch that said necked region ruptures upon said proper coupling.
 30. Theindicator of claim 29, wherein said necked region is disposed at apreselected point along an axial length of said leg.
 31. The indicatorof claim 30, wherein said necked region is disposed proximate saidengaging means.
 32. A quick connector assembly, comprising:a connectorhousing; a retainer disposed substantially within said housing forreleasably coupling a conduit with said connector housing; and anindicator, cooperating with said retainer and housing, for visuallyindicating proper coupling between a conduit and said housing, saidindicator having means allowing a portion of said indicator to befrangibly released upon said proper coupling.
 33. The assembly of claim32, wherein said indicator comprises a generally annular indicatormember and an abutment surface operatively connected to said indicatormember, said abutment surface engaging said conduit during couplingbetween said housing and conduit.
 34. The assembly of claim 33, whereinsaid indicator member and said abutment surface are integrally formedfrom a plastic material.
 35. The assembly of claim 33, wherein saidindicator member and said abutment surface are operatively connected bya leg having a necked region disposed at a preselected point along anaxial length of said leg such that said necked region predictablyfractures to thereby effect separation of a portion of said indicatorupon said proper coupling.
 36. The assembly of claim 33, furthercomprising a pair of diametrically spaced legs.
 37. The assembly ofclaim 35, wherein said abutment surface is disposed at an axial end ofsaid leg distal from said indicator member.
 38. The assembly of claim35, wherein said necked region is proximate said abutment surface. 39.The assembly of claim 35, wherein said necked region is proximate saidindicator member.
 40. The assembly of claim 35, wherein said neckedregion is disposed at a medial point on the length of said leg member.41. The assembly of claim 35, wherein said necked region has a reducedthickness relative to a thickness of said leg such that said neckedregion predictably fractures upon said proper coupling to thereby effectthe release of said portion of said indicator.